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The Port of Bellingham has approved the design documents for Phase 2 of the Millworks project, which will add a seven-story affordable housing complex featuring 109 units of workforce housing. This development, adjacent to the first phase, aims to address the critical housing needs of the local community and is projected to be completed by the end of 2027.
A 47-year-old man was arrested for a drive-by shooting incident that occurred north of Bellingham, WA, on Tuesday night. According to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect fired a handgun during a road rage altercation and was apprehended shortly after the incident.
Local lawmakers in Olympia are advancing several significant bills aimed at addressing environmental violations and expanding education opportunities for homeless and foster youth. Notably, SB 5360 seeks to amend penalties for environmental crimes, while HB 1540 would facilitate access to tribal colleges for eligible students. These legislative efforts reflect a proactive approach to pressing local issues within the Washington state legislature.
Whatcom County residents affected by the bomb cyclone in November 2024 are urged to apply for financial assistance by March 3, 2025. The Washington state government is providing aid for major home damages and related expenses incurred due to the storm, particularly in the Sudden Valley area. For further details on eligibility and financial support, residents can visit Whatcom County's dedicated assistance webpage.
Paper Whale, a Bellingham-based nonprofit founded by Nick Hartrich and Gretchen Leggitt, aims to revitalize the local art community through diverse cultural events and installations. By integrating traditional and non-traditional art forms, they foster connections between artists and the community, including the Coast Salish tribes. Their recent initiatives also emphasize economic opportunities and community engagement, highlighting Bellingham's unique creative landscape.
Whatcom County is seeking community feedback on its homelessness strategies as it develops a plan for addressing homelessness from 2026 to 2030. The Housing Advisory Committee aims to gather public input through surveys and presentations, focusing on balancing short-term and long-term solutions. This initiative follows a record of homelessness affecting over 846 individuals in January 2024.
Whatcom County's Health and Community Services is seeking community input to shape its upcoming homeless housing plan, focusing on priorities such as affordable housing and emergency shelter space. Residents can provide feedback through a survey, which will inform the five-year plan set for approval by the Whatcom County Council in 2026.
The Washington State House of Representatives honored Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown, the longtime president of Whatcom Community College, with a resolution recognizing her 35 years in higher education, including 18 years at WCC. Under her leadership, the college expanded its curriculum significantly and was designated as Washington's Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. As Dr. Hiyane-Brown prepares for her retirement on March 1, the college has announced three finalists for her successor.
Local agencies successfully rescued an elderly woman who fell down a steep embankment in Sumas, Washington, on February 18. Utilizing a drone for location assistance, firefighters collaborated with multiple law enforcement agencies to safely extract her and transport her to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Suzanne Simard, a renowned forest ecologist, emphasizes the ecological importance of the Douglas fir in her latest research, which highlights the need for assisted migration to combat climate change. Her findings indicate that continued clear-cutting could significantly hinder the survival of this vital species, underscoring the urgency of sustainable forestry practices.